SC refuses to delay hearing in I-Pac raid case; tells Bengal Govt "can't dictate" schedule

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday told the West Bengal government that it “cannot dictate” when a case should be heard, while refusing to delay proceedings in the I-PAC raid matter. The observation came during the hearing of a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate, which has alleged interference in its investigation.

The central agency has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and state officials of obstructing searches conducted at the office of the Indian Political Action Committee, which works with the Trinamool Congress. The raids, carried out in early January, were part of a money laundering probe.

During the hearing, senior counsel representing the state sought additional time to respond to new allegations raised in the ED’s affidavit. However, the court noted that the rejoinder had already been filed days earlier and made it clear that proceedings would continue without further delay.

Opposing the plea for more time, the Solicitor General argued that the request was a tactic to stall the hearing, pointing out that the affidavit had been submitted nearly a month ago. The ED has further alleged “gross abuse of power”, claiming the Chief Minister entered the premises during the raid with security personnel and interfered with the process.

The court emphasised that judicial proceedings are not meant to revolve around repeated adjournments, asserting that parties cannot determine the timing of hearings. The matter will now proceed as scheduled, with the court set to examine the allegations and responses in detail.